Anthropometric investigation of cephalic parameters for stature estimation: Through regression analysis.

BACKGROUND: Stature or body height is one of the most important and useful anthropometric parameters which determines the physical identity of an individual. Cranium encompasses hard tissue components with approximately immortal behavior, reason being cranial measurements were selected for the present study for estimation of stature.

OBJECTIVE: This investigation aimed to assess the stature of unknown using cephalometric parameters by creating equations through regression analysis.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: We selected 361 dental students for the present research; among them, 210 were females and 151 were males in the age range of 21-32 years. Stature and cephalic parameters, i.e., fronto-occipital circumference, head length, and head breadth were measured for each contributor following standard methods and techniques. Cephalic Index was calculated by using the formula: Cephalic Index (CI) = (Head width/Head length) ×100. Karl Pearson's correlation coefficient of stature with cephalic parameters was calculated, and regression analysis was done to generate the formulae for stature estimation.

RESULTS: Results indicated that all cephalic measurements have strong correlation with stature, and among them, circumference of head was found to be the most reliable predictor.

CONCLUSION: Stature of unknown or deceased can be identified using cephalic parameters as an auxiliary practice.